It all started when the former president began labeling the coronavirus as the “China Virus.” The fallout was immediate and severe, resulting in a surge of hate crimes against individuals of East Asian descent. The pandemic itself was daunting, but the subsequent violence against Asian communities added to the distress. Each time the former president spoke about the virus, he made derogatory remarks about Chinese and Asian people. Since March, the U.S. has seen a staggering 150% increase in hate crimes against Asians, particularly in cities like New York and Los Angeles. This alarming trend can be traced back to the irresponsible language of one misinformed leader.
Beyond political rhetoric, some scientists continue to promote racism by naming different strains of the virus based on their geographic origins rather than using more scientifically accurate terms like SARS-CoV-2. This has led to phrases such as the “Brazilian strain” or the “African variant” becoming common, which can inadvertently stoke the fires of prejudice ignited by the former president’s words.
When we hear terms like “Brazilian strain” or “China variant,” they can trigger deep-seated biases within us. The World Economic Forum notes that our brains often take shortcuts in processing information, resulting in unconscious biases. Repeated exposure to such terms can lead us to associate an entire ethnicity with negative traits, falsely believing that they are responsible for the virus that threatens our lives.
The coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, does not discriminate, and we must not either. We have enough to contend with without the added burden of hate. Labels like the “Brazilian variant” or the “U.K. variant” foster a bias that keeps us within our comfort zones, avoiding interactions with those who are different from ourselves. According to Lean In, affinity bias leads us to gravitate toward people who resemble us in appearance, beliefs, and backgrounds, often resulting in the exclusion or disdain of those who don’t fit that mold.
This has become a troubling reality for the AAPI community. As Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of AAPI Data, stated, “The former president’s rhetoric crafted a certain narrative, and leaders have a significant role in shaping public opinion.” For four years, these harmful words fueled hatred, culminating in a significant rise in violence against Asian Americans at the onset of the pandemic.
Racial bias can manifest in both explicit and implicit forms, and regardless of how it is expressed, it can lead to emotional and physical harm. Our society has long ignored the pervasive issue of racism. The former president’s language has forced us to confront this uncomfortable truth.
We have the capacity to change this narrative, beginning with our language. The words we choose have profound implications.
In 2020, Jonathan Lee, a college student from Singapore, was assaulted in London while individuals shouted that they didn’t want the virus in their country. In response, he shared a powerful message on social media, stating, “Racism isn’t ignorance; it’s hate. People will always find reasons to justify their prejudice, and during this pandemic, they’ve found a new excuse.” His words ring true.
To eradicate the racial stigma associated with the virus, it is imperative to refer to it by its correct name, not by its country of origin. Let’s call it what it is: a faceless disease that knows no race or ethnicity.
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In summary, the language we use shapes perceptions and can lead to harmful consequences. It’s critical to be mindful of our words and their impact, especially in times of crisis.